Byram Hills High School Posts - Byram Hills Central School District (2024)

Byram Hills High School recognized dozens of juniors and seniors during the annual Awards Ceremony, where they were celebrated by family, friends and the school community.

“We are gathered here tonight to highlight and celebrate the individual achievements and accomplishments of the students gathered here on stage,” Principal Christopher Walsh said in the high school theater at the May 29 ceremony.

For the seniors, it was another event that signaled the end of their time in high school. “Over the last four years, they have shown the remarkable ability to improvise, adapt and overcome the challenges that have faced them,” Mr. Walsh said.

The juniors, he said, will continue their growth in leadership, academics, athletics, the arts, community service and civic engagement over the coming years. “This evening should be a reminder to them to enjoy all that high school has to offer,” he said.

The students were recognized with awards and scholarships at the department, building and District levels as well as the local, state, national and international levels and by many organizations including Section 1 Athletics, New York State Athletics, Con Edison, the New York State School Music Association, Regeneron, the College Board, National Merit, and the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The highest honor for a senior came in the final award of the evening. The Hy Blatte-Jack Wollenberg Award is given to a student with a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend herself for others, and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges. The winner received a $1,000 scholarship from the PTSA, $100 to be donated to a charity of her choice and the opportunity to give a speech.

Mr. Walsh introduced the recipient, Julia Tusiani, known for her exceptional kindness and welcoming spirit.

“She is a student who leads by example and is known for her friendliness, optimism and genuine positive outlook,” Mr. Walsh said. “I have had the privilege of witnessing her exceptional qualities, leadership and unwavering dedication to service and advocacy during her four years at Byram Hills High School.”

In her speech, Julia talked about the identities that students gained in high school, like varsity athlete or club president, as they worked toward reaching their goals. She discovered that “the essence of life isn’t solely captured by the question, ‘What are you going to do?’ It’s better framed as, ‘Who are you going to be?’”

“Labels can hold great significance, but they are not everlasting,” she said. “The crucial question emerges when these labels fade. Who are you as a person when these labels cease to exist?”

Consider people based on their intrinsic qualities and attitudes, Julia said, rather than their occupations.

“Let’s strive to see others through the lens of empathy, kindness, and appreciation,” she said. “Our worth extends far beyond what we do.”

“In a world often preoccupied with achievements and titles, let’s choose to cherish the beauty of each individual’s soul, celebrating what makes each of us unique,” she said to loud applause. She will donate the $100 to Adopt-a-Dog Armonk.

The other top award, which came with a $1,000 scholarship, was the PTSA Caruolo Leadership Award. Assistant Principal Jennifer Spirelli announced the winner as a student on the leadership board with an exceptional character and a stellar academic record: Zachary Pero.

Dozens of students were recognized during the ceremony, where they were applauded by classmates, relatives and the school community.

The complete list of winners:

GUIDANCE AWARDSJAMIE TESTA ONWARD AND UPWARD SCHOLARSHIP
Given to a senior who shows exemplary commitment to helping others and dedication to public service.
DREW SHAPIRO

MICHAEL TYLER FISHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presented to a senior who demonstrates care for others and the community,
as Michael had exemplified.
BENJAMIN LEVY

NORTH CASTLE POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Presented to a senior who has shown academic excellence and a commitment
to the North Castle community.
REBECCA DIPIETRO

ARMONK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated impressive business acumen, responsibility and dedication either as an employee of a local business establishment or as an entrepreneur.
ZACHARY GOLDMAN

ROGER CASE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Given to a senior for academic achievement and outstanding community service.
AYAKA AMMON

THE NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER’S
2024 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Given to seniors for academic achievement and outstanding community service.
JACOB FENSTER
SHRUTHI FRANKLIN

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA JEFFERSON BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior who embraces creativity and innovation, and embodies the spirit of discovery, much like the University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. The student is a demonstrated citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally.
SOPHIA GETZ

SMITH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
Awarded to a junior who combines academic excellence with participation in extracurricular activities and a commitment to community service.
KEIRA ECKHARDT

YALE UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior in recognition of outstanding personal character and intellectual promise with diverse skills and leadership qualities.
SARAH PARK

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOOK AWARD
Given to a junior with outstanding character and high academic achievement, who provides important service to school or community.
SARINA METSCH

BRANDEIS BOOK AWARD
Presented to an outstanding junior who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work.
JORDYN WOLF

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and scholarly research in a rigorous college preparatory program.
COOPER LIPTON

HARVARD PRIZE BOOK AWARD
Given to outstanding juniors who display excellence in scholarship, character and commitment to others.
CHLOE KOHL
ANDREW LEVY

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Given to juniors having an academic interest in engineering, business, science or liberal arts.
Achievement Award: SEBASTIAN LASHMET
Leadership Award: AARON STEIN

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Presented to an academically outstanding junior who demonstrates intellectual leadership and strong character. This student also best exemplifies the spirit behind Princeton’s motto, “In the Nation’s Service and in the Service of Humanity.”
KAYLEIGH MCLAUGHLIN

TULANE UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Awarded to a junior who embodies Tulane’s motto “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own” and is a true servant leader.
MAYA MOLLOY

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
Awarded to juniors who exhibit excellent academic achievement and who contribute to the extracurricular activities of the school.
ZOE HARRIS
CASEY GOLDSTEIN

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD
VANESSA ROSSI

ENGLISH AWARDSAMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
EXCELLENCE IN WRITING AWARD
SHRUTHI FRANKLIN

SENIOR ENGLISH AWARDS
for outstanding senior English students.
JACOB FENSTER
LILA RAFF

ED WALZER WRITING AWARD
This award was established by the family of Ed Walzer, a graduate of Byram Hills who went on to have a career as a writer. The family has asked that the English department present the award to dedicated writers in the hope that they will pursue their passion for writing.
CHARLIE ROSEE

THE YEARBOOK AWARD
CHARLOTTE BRODBECK
CARISSA CHUNG

SOCIAL STUDIES AWARDS
SOCIAL STUDIES OUTSTANDING JUNIOR AWARD
Awarded to an exceptional junior who has achieved outstanding scholarship in the subject of Social Studies.
ANDREW LEVY

SOCIAL SCIENCES AWARD
Given to a senior who has shown exceptional growth in the field of Social Studies.
MATTHEW MACKO

NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARD
Given to a senior who has excelled in American History, European History, and/or the senior electives.
JACK HERMAN

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT AWARD
Presented to a senior who is an outstanding and serious history scholar.
SAMARA BROWN

THE NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORICAL RESEARCH AWARD IN HONOR OF RICHARD LANDER AND DORIS FINCH WATSON
Given to a student who has an interest and passion in historic research to honor North Castle’s late town historians.
CHARLOTTE BRODBECK

MATHEMATICS AWARDS

STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM

THE KEN HAMILTON MEMORIAL AWARD
Given to a senior who has displayed exceptional skills in software design, programming, systems analysis and hardware configuration; and who demonstrates excellent understanding and appreciation of computer science.
GREGORY PARENT

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AWARD
for outstanding achievement in Math/Science.
AARON STEIN

SCIENCE AWARDSTHE FARADAY AWARD
Presented to a senior who can manage long-term projects from inception to conclusion and create solutions in non-traditional ways.
YICHENG YANG

BYRAM HILLS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE
Awarded to an outstanding senior for excellence in science.
DANIEL NDOCAJ

BAUSCH & LOMB AWARD
Presented to an outstanding junior science student.
SEBASTIAN LASHMET

BYRAM HILLS AWARD FOR POTENTIAL IN SCIENCE
Awarded to an outstanding junior for potential in science.
CHLOE KOHL

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARD
WYATT CHARRON
NICOLE FENG

THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD
GAVIN WEBSTER

THE JOHN PHILIP SOUSA NATIONAL BAND AWARD
HARRISON GOLDIN
AARON LESTZ

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARDS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARD

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS

VINCENT GRECO AWARD

MICHELE DELAMONICO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This award celebrates the memory of a beloved teacher, colleague, mentor, and club advisor at Byram Hills High School. The BHTA and the BHAA honor a senior student who exhibits the qualities that Michele was known for; resilience, love of learning, collaboration, service to others, sense of humor, and academic engagement. Michele gave back to our community in many ways. She left behind a legacy of care, commitment, and community building. The award will be given to a student who personifies those ideals.
SARAH TILLINGER

PTSA CARUOLO LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is granted to a senior on the basis of leadership, character, dedication, loyalty, humanity, and interest in education.
ZACHARY PERO

HY BLATTE-JACK WOLLENBERG MEMORIAL AWARD
This award goes to a senior who has a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend herself for others, and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges.
JULIA TUSIANI